Summary Box: Airlines want tarmac rule exemptions

CRYING FOUL: JetBlue and Delta want exemptions from a new government rule that will limit the time passengers can be held on the tarmac.

THE CONCERN: The airlines worry that delays caused by construction at New York's JFK could bring millions in fines.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The new rule, scheduled to go into effect in April, will charge airlines $27,500 for each passenger stuck for more than three hours. For a full Boeing 737, that would be a $3.5 million fine.